Eric H. Henderson ’60

Eric died Feb. 4, 2017, of complications of a variety of medical problems after several years of poor health.  

Eric grew up in Atlanta, graduated from the Westminster School, and majored in economics at Princeton, joining Cottage Club and the 21 Club. His senior thesis was on “The Influence of Labor Unions on the Cotton Textile Business,” which soon served him well as president of Covington Industries. He took over at age 24, shortly after his father’s death. 

Eric was committed to giving something back to the world. His successful textile business enabled him to expand to a manufacturing plant in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 2003, founded with the purpose of employing the widows of Kabul. He then moved on to Haiti in 2011 to build another sewing plant to employ people after the devastating earthquake there. 

Eric loved classical music, sailing in the Caribbean, traveling in Europe (especially in Italy), and his close-knit family. He was a true Southern gentleman and proud of his authentic Scottish heritage. 

Eric was predeceased by his son, Eric Hay Henderson Jr. He is survived by Wynn, his wife of almost 60 years and “senior-year roommate”; daughters Wynn, Alix (Ursula), and Sandy; and five grandchildren.